Whisky Lairds

Susan here, introducing Laird of Twilight – the first book in my newest series, The Whisky Lairds – set in the Scottish Highlands. 

With gorgeous covers designed by the amazing Kim Killion and stories featuring the romantic, beautiful Highlands and even more romantic Highland heroes and heroines, this is a series I've been working on for a while--with lots more to do even as the first book comes out! Laird of Twilight, available now, will be followed by Laird of Secrets early next year, and Laird of Rogues later in 2020. This new series opens with two revised backlist titles and will continue with a totally new book next year, with more to come after that.

The first of the Whisky Lairds books, Laird of Twilight is a revised and updated version of a previous title, one of my Sarah Gabriel books written for Avon. Published originally as To Wed A Highland Bride, it has been expanded, improved (I'm a better writer now, I think--I hope!), updated with more research, and given a great new title and gorgeous new cover. I jumped at the chance to dive back into a story that I loved, one that (to be honest), I wrote very quickly, and so I was happy to return to it and refine the writing.

I'm a stickler for historical accuracy, even when I weave in a little paranormal, just a little sparkle here and there to make a story unique. This was the first book where I indulged in some genuinely magical elements, and what a treat to be able to return to that story to play with those elements again. I love this story more than ever now. The same is true for Laird of Secrets, revised, refined, more sparkly and more fun. If you read those early Sarah Gabriels, you will be pleasantly surprised with these fresh versions. And if you didn't--here's a chance to try the new and improved versions!

Set in Scotland and the Highlands in the 1820s and centering, in part, on King George’s visit to Edinburgh and Scotland in 1822, The Whisky Lairds series is filled with adventure, romance, hints of magic … as well as fairy legends and Highland lore.

A common thread running through the stories brings elements of the making (and sometimes the smuggling) of Highland whisky, the best of its kind in those days (some would insist today as well). Illicit or legally made, whisky was important in traditional Highland life, and at one point was crucial to the economic survival of Highlanders. The legends and history surrounding Scottish whisky are fascinating, especially at this time in history, when distillers, smugglers, and excise men—including men like Robert Burns—roamed the Highlands hills and byways. (A spelling note—“whisky” indicates what is specifically made in Scotland, while “whiskey” is used for Irish and American make, and often for whiskies produced outside of Scotland.)

The research for these books was so enjoyable—not only did I delve deeply into life in Scotland in the early 19th century, I also indulged in a bit o’ whisky fact and lore, learning lots about the process, history, and lore of Highland uisge beatha—pronounced roughly ooshky vah—hence the name “whisky.” Other research areas were lovely fun too--Elspeth MacArthur, the heroine of Laird of Twilight, and her grandfather are both weavers of fine tartan, a very popular commodity in Scotland, particularly around the time of King George’s visit, when Sir Walter Scott and his “Celtification of Scotland” made tartan and the romantic Highlands all the rage just in time for the king’s visit.

But James MacCarran, Lord Struan, Elspeth’s hero, wants nothing to do with any of that nonsense—a war hero who has retreated into a safe scholarly life, he is a professor of geology (“natural philosophy,” as the sciences were better known then) who finds that rocks are much more reliable in his life than the demands of the heart . . .  until he inherits Struan House in the Highlands, and until his grandmother’s eccentric will dictates that the new Lord Struan marry a very particular sort of bride . . .    

A reluctant groom and an enchanting bride...

JJames MacCarran, newly inherited Viscount Struan and formerly of the Black Watch Highlanders, prefers his scholarly bachelor life. But his grandmother's will issues an ultimatum: marry or forfeit his rightful inheritance. Knowing that could impact his siblings’ future as well as his own, Struan must find a Highland bride—one with fairy blood. The will’s demand seems impossible, until James arrives at his remote Highland estate to meet Elspeth MacArthur. Beautiful, enchanting—luminous, really—her mysterious fey quality may be just what he requires, if he could only convince her. The weaver’s granddaughter could solve his dilemma—but she wants nothing to do with the new viscount . . .   

Determined to stay in her beloved Highlands, Elspeth MacArthur hides an astonishing family secret. When circumstances throw her together with handsome, reclusive Lord Struan, resulting in sudden compromise, the Lowland viscount insists on a marriage that independent Elspeth staunchly refuses. But when an ominous threat emerges, forcing Elspeth and Struan to work together to protect a valuable treasure, they begin to fall in love. Yet when Elspeth finally reveals her deepest secret, Struan must accept it, or lose what is now more precious than any inheritance. Love could be their only haven—but a local legend says love will bring the greatest risk either of them could ever face . . . .

Read an excerpt from Laird of Twilight here . . . 

I hope you enjoy the first book in the Whisky Lairds series! Do you love a wee dram, a bit o' plaid, a trek into the Highlands? I will take a sip of whisky now and then, though I am rather mad about plaid, especially in the form of a soft and comfy shirt, a scarf, a cozy throw .... do you agree? 

I will be giving away an ebook copy of Laird of Twilight to one of the commenters on this blog--so please leave a comment and let us know how much you love all things Scottish! 

 

 

Comments

[Maryellen Webber]

I am excited to read this series! I love all things Scottish, except for haggis. I don't think I could eat it . I don't drink alcohol, so I know I am missing out on a fine taste of Scotch whisky! I have visited Edinburgh about 30 years ago and I intend to visit again. I found the people I met there so gracious and I truly felt at home on my visit!

[Susan King]

Thanks, Maryellen! I'm not a haggis fan either, and I don't drink - though I'll have a wee sippie of whisky occasionally, which usually leaves me gasping and content to wait a long time before I try it again. But, research, right! ;) And you are right - the Scots truly make their visitors feel so at home!

[Margaret]

I haven't learned to love whisky, but I, too, love a plaid blanket, skirt, or wrap in a beloved tartan. I have NOT read your Sarah Gabriel books, but the thought of cuddling up with a large cup of tea and Laird of Twilight sounds like heaven. If only your give-aways could magically include a few hours of allotted guilt-free reading time!!

[Annette N]

Thanks for this post. My mother's family are from the clan Maxwell. Their history is amazing. A Laird Maxwell escaped from the Tower of London by being dressed as a woman.

I have always wished I could have heard that discussion. His wife tells him she has the perfect idea. They dressed him as one of her ladies. Somehow, I picture him resisting the idea in the strongest terms.

I love the tartans and I believe it is a gift to the world that tartans and bagpipes are a part of Scottish life now. Yes, I am a fan of bagpipes. And kilts. I really like kilts.

[Mary T]

Whiskey Sour was always my mixed drink of choice. Don't drink them anymore though. I'm unsteady enough on my feet without the help of alcohol.

I like plaid okay, especially blankets and throws. I have a nephew who plays the bagpipe, and he looks quite handsome in his plaid kilt. Cannot truly says that I appreciate the "sound" of the bagpipe though.

I'm not familiar with the Sarah Gabriel books. They sound interesting. And the covers are beautiful.

[Teresa Broderick]

I love books set in Scotland. I think it's because they're history and way of life is quite close in some respects to here in Ireland. I have to admit I do enjoy an uisce beatha now and again, especially hot ones around Christmas time.
When I did Irish dancing, way back in the mists of time now, I had a plaid skirt. My mother couldn't afford the costume for me to compete in competitions but the plaid was acceptable for some local ones. Lovely post.

[Quantum]

I enjoyed the excerpt, thank you. Scotland is indeed a magical place with stunning scenery and very friendly people ..... though not so friendly on the rugby pitch or in the UK parliament! Over the years I have crossed the English/Scottish border many times. One 'Scottish Universities Summer School in Physics' at St Andrews was very memorable and included a visit to local distilleries (with samples). I found the scotch whisky very stimulating for imaginative discussions, though I can't recall the Fey entering into any proposed hypotheses ... perhaps it needed another bottle! *LOL*

[Sue McCormick]

I am fond of things Scottish, including plaids. Mostlly, I use alcoholic beverages for cooking. That use DOES include whiskey.

During our often mentioned tour of Great Britain, we were shown parts of Scotland. A meal in Edenburgh included haggis, which we didnt mind, but don't remember. The date of that event was my husband's birthday. He was given a free drink of Glen Livet (we think); very high class. I had a sip, I might learn to like whiskey like that, but we would never choose to afford it!

[theo]

How could I not love Scotland? My mother was from Forfar :)

[Susan King]

Margaret, I wish I could gift all of us with a some extra hours! Thanks, I hope you do find a little time to cuddle up with tea and Laird of Twilight!

[Susan King]

Hi Annette - I've heard that story about the Maxwell in the Tower, very cool! Tartans and bagpipes and kilts - oh my! ;)

[Susan King]

Mary T, I agree the covers for the Whisky Lairds are just so beautiful, I'm glad you like them, hope you'll find a chance to read them. A nephew who plays the bagpipes - good for him! I love that sound, I think it's in my DNA. ;)

[Susan King]

Teresa, you did Irish dancing! That's wonderful, what fun that must have been (and takes a lot of hard work and skill!). Scottish history and character does have a lot in common with Ireland - the Irish did bring their culture over to Scotland, eons ago, since the first Irish to settle Scotland were called the Scoti, and that's where the name originated!

[Susan King]

Quantum, lol! There is a legend about fairy whisky that makes its way into the plot of Laird of Twilight. ;) I'm happy you enjoyed the excerpt, thanks!

[Susan King]

Sue, Glen Livet is one of the oldest and best whiskies in Scotland! I've been doing a fair bit of research into whisky making and so on for thesee books, and one of the fascinating things is how old some of these very well known distilleries are. How nice that they offered you and your husband a draw of Glen Livet for his birthday!

[Susan King]

Forfar, how nice, Theo! No wonder you love Scotland. :)

[Vicki L]

Those covers are beyond gorgeous... Love how they were able to incorporate sparkles in each cover. I'd love to read this series. I believe I read the first two of this series and would love to read the revised version and will look forward to the new books as well.

[Reggi]

Oh la la! Excited as always to delve into one of your delicious histories, weaving complicated gorgeous lairds and divinely strong insightful women in the dance of love. And now with the element of Magic! Weave on...........(and hugs!)

[Susan King]

Vicki, I so agree, the covers really are beyond gorgeous, and I'm so grateful to Kim Killion for her attention to detail--the sparklies add something special to already beautiful cover designs. Thanks for reading the originals - I hope you love the new & improved versions!

[Susan King]

Reggi, thank you! Weaving stories fast as I can - you'll love the magical sparkly touches in these, I think. Hugs to you!

[Beverly Abney]

Are these titles going to appear in print?
I have been reading Susan King for a long time, but I don't think I ever read Gabriel, so these books will be new to me. I will use my Nook if I have to, but I do prefer print.

[Misti]

I went to Scotland for the first time in 2017 and I loved it. I really need to go back one day. Plus, I haven't read a romance that takes place in Scotland for a long time. I need to change that soon. :)

[Jenny Wilcox]

My Mum loved Scottish things (but didn't drink) and we had Amazing Grace played on the bagpipes at her funeral as she really loved it. I also love all things Scottish - I even love scotch or whiskey, as long as it is diluted a bit with lemonade, but am with some of your other commenters regarding Haggis. I even own copies of 3 of your old Sarah Gabriel books (Scottish, of course).

[Susan King]

Jenny, thank you for being a Sarah Gabriel reader! You'll have to compare the old and the new revised versions! ;)
I mostly don't like the taste of alcoholic drinks, but for a sip here and there (mostly a sip and a grimace!) -- but I must try a wee sip of whiskey with lemonade!

[Susan King]

Hi Misti - Scotland is definitely a wonderful place! I hope you get back there someday soon. If you haven't read a Scottish romance for a while, there are lots of fabulous choices out there! :)

[Susan King]

Hi Beverly, thank you for reading my books, I very much appreciate it. The first editions of the Whisky Lairds will be in ebook format, and available on Nook. I love print too, so I totally understand - these will go into print editions too, but not just yet. Thanks for asking!